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More education funding is needed to address shortages of teachers, classrooms, buildings and textbooks in the Philippine public school system, according to this opinion column. Education Secretary Jesli Lapus says more resources for education could become available as the economy improves. But progress could be slow if it stays stagnant.

A dozen Hong Kong students have contracted the H1N1 virus, commonly called "swine flu", leading government officials to close kindergarten, primary and special-education schools for two weeks. The announcement came today as the World Health Organisation mulled whether to declare the swine flu outbreak a global pandemic.

A Toronto school panel has voted not to renew a contract with Pepsi for school vending machines. The full school board must vote on the move to eliminate vending machines from schools. One education official said the board should make decisions that benefit student health.

After a heated debate, an Alabama school board has voted to hire eight science and maths teachers from Philippines to fill vacancies in those areas. Officials are anticipating as many as 50 vacancies in maths and science teaching positions in the upcoming school year, and administrators travelled to Manila to recruit teachers.

A Retford teacher and finalist for England's teacher of the year honour -- who is nicknamed "Gadget Man" -- was recognised for his dedication to using technology in his lessons. "He has worked diligently to promote interactive learning, and transformed the culture of the school resulting in a truly personalised learning experience for pupils," according to his nomination.